Our D17 did the engineering program a couple years ago and really enjoyed it, even though she has opted not to pursue that major. S19 just got invited and is thinking Law and Advocacy.
NSLC is not cheap but it seemed to us that you get what you pay for. D was pretty busy with site visits, lectures, and projects. She enjoyed staying in the dorms and experiencing a bit of “college life” that way, although it’s not the same as real college because they keep you on a definite schedule the entire time. She was surrounded by other bright and inquisitive kids from all over the place who were really into what they were doing - they weren’t just there because it looked good on their college apps. So it’s a great experience, based on what we saw and the overall program was very well run. A question or two I had about scheduling was answered immediately by someone at HQ and one of the local directors who was overseeing the specific program. We never felt it was a rip off or a waste of money (and my husband is pretty opposed to the idea of pre-college in general LOL).
It’s no surprise that something would appear “fishy”. Our kids have gotten a TON of invites to special leadership conferences, etc. over the years - it seems there are many organizations out there willing to capitalized on anxious families wanting to improve their kids’ chances for a top college - and the top colleges themselves are hardly less culpable! (just google what the typical elite college offers for summer pre-college . . ). NSLC is just one of many programs, but it seems more reputable. Of our 4 children who took the PSAT, only two have been invited to NSLC and they were in the top 1% of the distribution (the other two were in top 10% so not exactly slouches . . . ). Could be wrong but I think you have to hit a certain percentile for College Board to give them your name via Student Search (assuming you allowed that) and/or you need your school to nominate you. It’s a bit more selective.
You won’t “need” NSLC to get into a good college. It won’t substitute for poor grades or a sloppy application. But if you think it sounds interesting, consider this a recommendation to look into it further. Especially if you were considering an interesting pre-college experience for the summer.